London Zoo keepers used to get drunk on duty, sell beer to visitors and once let a rhino escape, book reveals

London Zoo's owners were forced to introduce staff rules in the 19th century after keepers were found to be drunk on duty, selling beer to visitors and even letting a rhino escape, a new book on its history has revealed.

Isobel Charman, a historian and a documentary producer, describes the shocking events that occurred during the wildlife park's first 25 years in her book, The Zoo.

Speaking at the Hay Festival, Ms Charman said her research for the book had revealed the ad-hoc basis in which staff rules were introduced - often in response to misbehaviour.

Isobel Charman talking about London Zoo at the Hay Festival in Hay-on-Wye, PowysCredit:
Jay Williams

Ms Charman said during her research for the book she uncovered records of meetings between the Zoological Society’s council, a disciplinary...